26 November 1999

Alun Michael Opens Charities Board’s New Office

The advantages of making decisions for Wales in Wales was the theme, as Tom Jones, Chair of the National Lottery Charities Board in Wales invited the First Secretary, Alun Michael to officially open the Charities Board’s new offices in Newtown today. The occasion was symbolic for the Charities Board as it celebrates five years of consolidation and growth with a move to larger modern offices.

Tom Jones said, "We are proud that the First Secretary Alun Michael agreed to open our new offices. In terms of distance we may only be moving a few yards but to us the move symbolises the difference between the embryonic organisation that was set up five years ago and the evolution into a major independent grant distributor to the voluntary sector in Wales. When the time comes, I’m sure that Alun Michael and his colleagues will feel the same sense of achievement as they step over from their temporary base to the permanent Assembly building."

Alun Michael officially opened the offices saying, "I am delighted to be in Newtown for the opening of these new offices which will contribute to the overall prosperity of the town and its hinterland. The Charities Board does excellent work in supporting the voluntary sector with grant distribution across Wales. I am delighted to open these new offices and wish the Board, its staff and those who benefit from its work all the best for the future."

Alun Michael spent time walking around the office talking to staff and asking them about their work.

Roy Norris, Director of the Charities Board in Wales said: "Today is a day of celebration for staff, who have put in a lot of effort into building up the expertise of the Charities Board in Wales. Five years ago we made the decision to base the Wales Office in Newtown, in order to be best placed to serve all areas of Wales. One of the extra advantages of having our base in Newtown was the high calibre and committed staff we have been able to recruit. Our staff may be celebrating today but come Monday they will be reading through the next batch of small or main grant applications - so keep them coming."

Groups seeking application forms for Charities Board grants or further information should call 0845 7273273.

Notes to Editors

1. For media enquiries or group contact numbers please call Hanna or Myrddin on 01286 675221.
2. The National Lottery Charities Board is an independent body set up by Parliament to distribute funds to support charitable, benevolent and philanthropic organisations. There are 17 Board members, including the Chair. Decisions on grants are made by the members in grant-making committees for Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole.
3. The Charities Board’s two main grant programmes: Community involvement and Poverty and disadvantage as well as Small grants are assessed by the Wales Committee. Board Members in Wales are Tom Jones (Chair), Elisabeth Watkins and Jeff Carroll. Co-opted Members to the Board are Margaret Dennis, Aled Siôn and Dr Glyn Williams.
4. The Board’s main aim is to give grants to help meet the needs of those at greatest disadvantage in society and to improve the quality of life in the community.
5. Since October 1995, the National Lottery Charities Board, under the main grants, has awarded over £79 million to 891 groups in Wales. Over £3.5 million has been awarded to 1480 groups under the Small grants scheme. This brings the total distributed in Wales, over five years, to over £83 million.
6. Full lists of Charities Board’s grants are published on the internet at www.nlcb.org.uk and full lists of all Lottery distributors grants are listed at www.lottery.culture.gov.uk.

1. The National Lottery Charities Board logo is the circular logo that appears on this press release. (The "crossed finger" logo is a trade mark for the National Lottery as promoted by Camelot and is therefore not for the Charities Board use.)